The atmospheric emissions of the smelters of Codelco are regulated by the Decontamination Plans established by the environmental authority for the contaminants sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate material (PM10) and by other standards, mainly the standard on the emission of arsenic to the atmosphere."

During 2003, the three smelters of the Corporation complied integrally with the emission limits established by the decontamination plans corresponding with each one of them.

Other kinds of atmospheric emissions, especially the particulated material of the mining operations, have an impact mainly at the work areas and they are being controlled through the administration of hygiene and industrial safety.

In relation to the main sources of emission of greenhouse effect gasses (GEG) at Codelco exist the direct emissions, generated by the direct combustion at the Divisions, and the indirect emissions, composed of the emissions of the electric power generating systems that supply the Divisions, and by the emissions generated by the production of fuel consumed by the Divisions.